Embattled Ohio Union Boss, School-Buildings Chief Quits

January 13th 2011   ·   0 Comments

School-buildings chief resigns
Appointee was criticized for allegedly pressuring districts to use union labor
RANDY LUDLOW | The Columbus Dispatch
Jan. 12, 2011

Gov. John Kasich’s to-do list now includes finding a leader for Ohio’s public schools construction program.

Richard Murray resigned as executive director of the Ohio School Facilities Commission effective Sunday, ending his stormy 16-month tenure.

The resignation of Murray, a Democrat appointee who came under fire for allegedly pressuring school districts to use union labor, was not a surprise, with Republicans taking control of the Statehouse.

Kasich budget director Tim Keen, a new member of the school facilities commission, said Murray’s departure was by “mutual agreement.” Murray couldn’t be reached for comment.

A report released by the inspector general’s office in August accused Murray of abusing his position to help labor unions land school-construction contracts through project-labor agreements, which mandate the use of union labor in exchange for promises that work won’t be delayed by strikes.

Murray, 61, a former union official, denied wrongdoing, and former Gov. Ted Strickland stood by him amid calls for his ouster from some Republicans and construction contractors.

Read more @ The Columbus Dispatch.

Tags:  John Kasich, Ohio, Union Cronyism

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